Jordan International Marathon 2026

The Jordan International Marathon is Amman’s flagship road running event, held each November and drawing several thousand participants from Jordan and abroad. The race offers four distance categories — full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.1 km), 10K, and a shorter fun run — which makes it accessible to a wide range of runners from serious competitors to first-timers.

The course

The course runs through Amman’s streets, taking in areas of west and central Amman. The city’s famously hilly topography means the route is not flat: expect genuine elevation changes throughout, which makes it a more technically demanding road marathon than courses in coastal cities. The course is closed to traffic and fully marshalled. Past editions have started and finished near Amman’s Sports City complex. Specific 2026 course details will be confirmed via official registration channels.

The full marathon typically has a cut-off time of around 6 hours, with intermediate checkpoint times. The 10K is a popular entry point for runners who want the race atmosphere without the commitment of a longer distance.

Registration

Registration usually opens in August or September through the Jordan Road Runners official website and affiliated sports organisations. Entry fees have historically been in the range of JOD 20—35 for the half marathon and JOD 30—50 for the full, with the 10K available at a lower rate. International runners should book accommodation early — November is an active month in Amman and popular hotels fill up. The Amman city guide has an overview of neighbourhoods and where to stay.

Race day logistics

The race starts early, typically at 6:30 or 7:00 am, before the November sun becomes a significant factor. Amman in early November averages around 17—20 degrees Celsius during the day, making conditions generally good for distance running. Participants should carry their own nutrition for longer distances as aid station provision varies by edition; check the official race guide when published.

Post-race, the finish area usually has water, fruit, and medals, with photography and a small expo. Amman has a good range of restaurants for post-race meals — the Abdali Boulevard area is a short taxi ride from the Sports City area and has options ranging from traditional Jordanian food to international cuisine. For those building a trip around the race, our Jordan itinerary guide has suggestions for combining Amman with Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea in the days before or after the marathon.